I think you were mixing contexts. That statement was about the tech press, not the manufacturers. I have no doubt that these added features are little more than ways to entice consumers to more frequently upgrade their sets.

That high the manufacturers are chasing (the one they tasted from the HDTV boom) is becoming a problem for consumers. Fortunately, I don't think these companies are exerting nearly as much product movement as they'd like. I'm certain they thought that when they started making 3D TVs, they would sell as many sets as they did when people upgraded from SD to HD, but they grossly underestimated how compelling it would be to make that upgrade. Most people are now comfortable getting the new technologies when their natural upgrade cycle occurs.


Ugh, I can't do a thing about my hideous speakers. This is my TV. For some reason, they decided that not only would they make the speakers non-removable, they'd make them stick out even further (I guess to improve the virtual surround). I really just wish they weren't there at all, as they haven't been used for five minutes in the set's entire life.


Oh, sure, I have no problem with built-in speakers if you aren't going to put the TV in a situation where there's a receiver and speakers. They're great for saving space in that case, and usually those are locations I don't care about having great sound, just "good enough" sound

I was a little surprised when I asked a local AV store employee how many people connect 50"+ sets to a receiver and speakers. He said about 50/50.